Simplicity 5385

Normally I am not a fan of patterns from the 1960s.  Oh don't get me wrong, I think many of the 60s fashions are beautiful, but I prefer those from the late 30s through the 50s, much more my thing.
So when I found some vintage patterns in an antique shop for $1 a piece, I wasn't about to turn down the patterns even though they were not all from my favourite eras.

And this was one of the patterns I found.

Simplicity 5385- from 1964.  The notation says "This skirt really fits".

I found the annotation on the envelope especially fun :)  The pattern is from 1964, and features a shift tunic/dress and an a-line WRAP skirt.  Yes, a wrap skirt.  It immediately went on my 'to-make' list.

It is a fairly quick make.  It is a two-piece pattern, seamed down the front.  Two large patch pockets are placed on the front, and the skirt is fastened with a snap and ties that come round and are tied in the front.

The back of Simplicity 5385

You can see the fun design, here, on the back of the pattern envelope. 

So, when I decided to make it, I chose a poly-cotton blend, twill, bottom-weight fabric.  I wanted it to be sturdy and casual, and this seemed like a good choice.  I finished it last week, just before starting my Sew For Victory Challenge!

The front of my skirt.

The added advantage of a heavier weight fabric, is that it helped it to maintain it's a-line shape, which is always nice.  Please excuse the awkward pose, it was pretty cold out ;)  And please excuse the wrinkles, I had already sat down in the skirt.

And the back.  I find this one rather flattering!

The back allows you to see the 'wrap' of the skirt.  I *did* learn a few things with this. 
1.  When making a back wrap skirt, you need to make sure the fastener at the waist is far enough over that the skirt won't flash people as you walk along.  A petticoat is also a good idea ;)
2.  Watch the scissors.  They will manage to mysteriously cut a hole in your skirt if you don't watch.
3.  When enlarging the pattern, you might like to add length to the wrap ends to prevent the fastener placement being as much of an issue ;)

The large pockets are also awesome.  Not that I have used them for much except putting my hands in and for holding the fabric for my 1940's blouse when I went to choose buttons (more on that later... I'm almost finished!).
Yes, you'll have noticed that I once again chose blue, which is one of my staple wardrobe colours - it goes with a lot!
You can find a great post about vintage wrap skirt patterns at the Midvale Cottage Post.  I love the linings in the skirts featured, and would definitely consider making this one again, only with a lining!

Back soon with an update to my sew for victory challenge!

Sew for Victory

Well, Happy New Year, Happy Valentines Day and more to you.  Yes, it has been a while since I got a post up.  Much of January was spent with the family being ill, the rest was just a trying time of getting back into the rhythm of life!
I have some great things I want to share with you, but as always, some of those will just have to wait until I can manage to get a good photo during the day.

First and foremost, though, is a sewing challenge hosted by the fabulous Rochelle of Lucky Lucille.

Yes.  A vintage themed sew along!  All those participating will sew a 1940's/1940's inspired pattern.  You can go see all the details here, along with a fun video featuring Rochelle's really cute dog Lucille :)

What am I making?  I shall be sewing some more trousers from the Simplicity 3688 reproduction pattern.  No biggie, I have made them before, along with lots of adjustments, so I am saving them for last.

They are very flattering and comfortable to wear, and my wearable muslin (toile) has seen a LOT of wear.  Tasha at By Gum By Golly made a fantastic pair just a couple of weeks ago, for Debi's Sew Grateful week (this is the final post, you should definitely look at the rest).  You have to check both of those out if you haven't already!

I shall also be making this lovely blouse... view 3.  That would be the bow blouse on the far right.  I purchased this pattern for the bow blouse and the scalloped blouse, so I am excited to start sewing on it.  In fact, I started today, so maybe post later with the fabric and more.

On an artistic note, I found something fascinating the other day, pertaining specifically to the illustrations on these patterns.  I hope to post more on that later!
In the meantime, follow along with the other sewists on Flickr, and perhaps I might get my instagram groove on later!

A Williamsburg Christmas: Part 2

So, back to the Williamsburg decorations.  Where possible, I have tried to put what was in the wreath.  I am sure I have missed something somewhere.  I hope you enjoy the exploration of Williamsburg.

 Maybe decorate just one side of a wreath.

 This is the wigmaker's house.  I think that wreath might have 'hair' on it!

Flower in the corner from dried leaves and a shell.  Plain wreath.

 Dried flower header with locust pods.

 A rope wreath with flowers and greenery.

 Twine wrapped header with dried stuff.  That's technical jargon, that is ;)

 Cotton, dried flowers and seed pods.

 A simple bunch of dried flowers and grasses, wrapped in cloth.

 I love how this one looks like there is a sheep in the middle of it!  Looking closer, you can see it is actually a 'nest' of grasses and flowers, with a cotton and feather chicken sitting on eggs :)  Clever, huh?

 Shells.

 Dried flowers.

 Seedpods, flowers, cotton and grasses.

 Window decor with dried oranges and dried herbs.

 Corner decoration... dried flowers and dried peppers.

 Orange clusters, evenly spaced.

 Dried herbs, seed pods, arranged in a diamond pattern.

A pinecone with moss, dried herbs, sweetgum pods, dried oranges and cinnamon sticks.  It is a marvellously clever window decoration.

Dried flowers.

Really great garland consisting of dried fruit.

Shells, dried fruit and dried flowers.  Sprays of wheat around the outside.

 I had a model for this one :)  The garland is a spectacular creation of flowers.  Chrysanthemums I think.

Paper birds and hearts, and a couple of playing cards.

 We interrupt this broadcast to take a look at the kids modelling knits.  And showing their true colours ;)

 Dried herbs and flowers, with a spray of feathers!

 A prizewinner with wheat and corn.

 The wreath and the window decorations match rather well.

Grapevine wreath with seedpods.

Dried fruit in the center, surrounded by wheat around it.

I love these corner displays on the roping.  I wonder how they hold them on?

 Dried fruits and seedpods.  And docent ;)

Altogether, you can see my model and a house with wreath, header and window decorations.

A nice pineapple with oranges surrounding it.  And a wreath of greenery and berry sprays.

A very simple window decoration- fir branches with an apple in the centre.

This wreath is pretty amazing when you look closer.  Dried flowers, seed pods and the like.  The header matches and also has a couple of wooden spoons.

I have always loved the steps on this building.

This wreath is a prize winner.  There are playing cards cut to look like flowers on this one.  And a pixie who is modelling her brand new (knit by me) pixie hat.

 Another pretty header.  You'll notice my light is fading fast at this point!

 Even the taverns decorate.  Shells, dried flowers and ale cups dominate this one.

 The town hall gets in on the act too.

This is a wreath with osage orange fruit on it- they are the giant balls that look like brains ;)

This wreath is at the milliners- a dried grapevine with dried flowers in a most unique display.

This picture is one that annoys me terribly.  A couple of people just stood there in my way, and did not want to move AT ALL.  So my photo is really blurry, which is a real shame as this spray is one of the more spectacular.

The Governor's Palace, even at a distance, is always spectacular.

My favourite house in Williamsburg- it is tiny!  It has fruit on the wreath, which is far harder to see now.
These two photos are a little blurry, sorry.  Light was fading fast!

 Fruit... I think the top left orange is mouldy- so even the ones there suffer ;)

Even the stores in Williamsburg get in on the act- this is window in Barnes and Noble!